describe nutrition and types of nutrition

Nutrition is the process by which an organism takes food and utilizes it to get energy, for growth, repair, maintenance, etc. and then excreting the waste material from the body. The materials which provide nutrition to living organisms are called nutrients. For example proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, etc.

Types of Nutrition:

1. Autotrophic Nutrition:

• Autotrophic nutrition is the mode of nutrition in which an organism prepares its own food.
• Blue-green algae and Green plants follow the autotrophic mode of nutrition.

2. Heterotrophic Nutrition:

• The mode of nutrition in which an organism takes food from another organism is called Heterotrophic mode of nutrition.
• Other than green plants and blue-green algae organisms show the heterotrophic mode of nutrition.
• Heterotrophic nutrition can be further categorized into two types, viz. saprophytic nutrition and holozoic nutrition.

3. Saprophytic Nutrition:

• In the saprophytic mode of nutrition; the organism secretes the digestive juices on the food. The food is digested while it is still to be ingested.
• The assimilated food is then consumed by the organism. All the decomposers follow saprophytic nutrition. Some insects; like houseflies; also follow this mode of nutrition.

4. Holozoic Nutrition:

• In holozoic nutrition; the digestion happens inside the body of the organism, i.e. after the food is ingested. Most of the animals follow this mode of nutrition.